Service 2009-2010

In 2007/08, an informal partnership began between a teacher at Coile Middle School and a professor from LACSI which resulted in transformative learning outcomes for both adults and students alike. The teacher, Kelli Bivins, recognized an ally in Dr. Sergio Quesada in helping inspire her “at-risk” Latino students. Dr. Quesada visited the middle school and spoke with the seventh and eighth grade ESOL students. The students were surprised to here an adult speaking to them in their native languages about topics they had only heard mentioned in their homes. Dr. Quesada spoke to them about topics as varied as Meso-American temples, revolutionaries, how and why a student should avoid associating with gangs to name a few. He understood that the students’ were intrigued at the prospect of earning $10 an hour processing poultry. In a manner that was not at all demeaning to them, he let them know that there were other possibilities for possible careers if they stayed in school and achieved academic success. This partnership was formalized in 2009-10 when LACSI provided funding for Coile Students to attend lectures and field trips exploring their dual identities. Students also produced a booklet containing images and essays portraying their learnings. To the left are photos included in the booklets.